She stood rooted to the spot, her mind refusing to process what she had just heard. Yet deep down, she already knew it was the truth. The moment he appeared, her body had betrayed her—heat rushed through her veins, a thrill she couldn’t explain sparking to life. It wasn’t her excitement, not truly. Something inside her, something buried and waiting, was straining to break free.
Her foot slid back unconsciously. Was she… running? From him? From her mate? But why would the Moon Goddess bind her to someone she feared more than anything?
As if sensing her hesitation, he suddenly turned his head toward her, his piercing gaze locking her in place. “Don’t you dare,” his voice cut sharply, commanding and dangerous. “Turn around.” The words weren’t shouted, yet they struck her like a whip. And as
